Vishal Bhardwaj’s third adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedies turns out to the best. He translates Hamlet’s confusion and sorrow into Haider (Shahid Kapoor) and chooses the most tragic Indian state, Kashmir, as the stage. As Haider sets out on a search for his father, Kashmir remains one of the principal characters, giving the film that extra layer of chaotic tension that it so beautifully endorses. Haider dares to venture into territories most films refrain from, and looks in the eyes of the Kashmir’s political history and asks – Why? Haider’s misguided and grief-stricken character is used as an imitation of several Haiders that Kashmir has produced to date. Haider scores big on so many levels that a discussion may take several pages. Maybe that is what the film wanted to achieve.
Director – Vishal Bhardwaj
